Member News

SARASOTA, Fla., (September 27, 2018) – GATES Construction is pleased to announce the addition of Darryl Piearcy as Superintendent. Piearcy will be responsible for daily onsite supervision of GATES’ projects, including quality control, safety, security, project close out, and transition planning. He has over 20 years construction experience in multifamily, hospitals, government facilities, hotels, and commercial retail centers. Piearcy will be based out of GATES Construction’s Sarasota office.
Celebrating 25 years, GATES provides construction management, general contracting and design-build services.  Their diverse portfolio of commercial, healthcare, multi-family, club and hospitality, institutional and special projects showcases numerous landmarks successfully constructed over the past quarter of a century.  As Florida’s premier builder, GATES serves its clients from offices in Bonita Springs, Sarasota and Palm Beach Gardens, and operates throughout the Southeast United States and Latin America.  For more information on GATES, please call (239) 593-3777 or visit the website at www.GATESinc.com.

September 27, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – October’s Art Walk honors downtown Fort Myers arts and culture! Celebrate 10 Years of Art Walk and the annual Dark Art exhibition with live music, interactive games, food, drinks, and performances. Take part on Friday, October 5th from 6pm – 12am. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
The October art shows open with a bang! The first floor Grand Atrium will feature Dark Art, a spooky and strange group art show presented by Syzygy. On the second floor, take part in 10 Years of Art Walk, celebrating downtown Fort myers decade of cultural development.
Outside SBDAC, attendees can enjoy performances from 6pm – 10pm. Experience a traditional Polynesian dance at 6:20pm. Then, at 6:40pm see a performance from Gulfshore Ballet. Afterward, City of Fort Myers officials and Rivier District partners will offer up some interesting info about downtown’s past and future. A fire spinning performance by Fiero will complement the evening’s music from Strange Arrangement, starting at 8pm.
Dark Art celebrates the weird, quirky, and macabre with performances and interactive entertainment in the Grand Atrium. Wicked Apple Art will be demonstrating a live body paint session on the main stage, while local artists like Dharma LeFevre paint live around the main gallery. There will also be tarot readings by Shelby Elmore throughout the night, plus an interactive escape room puzzle from Brainstorm Bonita. At 9pm, Pixel Winters and Company perform a dark, strange burlesque revue featuring some of your favorite local performers, like Kitty Purrl and Freckles Galore.
In the Capital Gallery, commemorate 10 Years of Art Walk. This exhibition pays tribute to the artists, businesses, and galleries that helped create one of downtown’s favorite monthly events. The exhibition features Claudia Goode and Annette Brown, Jamie Kuser and Kathy Kuser, Andy Howl, Jeff and Dale Ocasio, Christina Jarmolinski, David Acevedo, David and Lily Hackett, Brooke Anderson and Suzanne Brown, Marc Harris, Ollie Gentry, Terry Tincher, and Stephen Blancett. From 6pm – 8pm, hear music from a String Trio. Stick around for the after party from 10pm – 12am, featuring a Jazz Trio, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails.
This is a city-wide event is not to be missed! To learn more about Dark Art or 10 Years of Art Walk, visit www.sbdac.com or call 239 333 1933.
Sponsored by Galeana Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Fort Myers
Friday, October 5, 2018
Dark Art | Grand Atrium: 6pm – 10pm
10 Years of Art Walk | Capital Gallery: 6pm – 12am
October Art Walk Celebration | Front Steps of SBDAC: 6pm – 10pm
$1 Donation Entry

Fort Myers, Florida — The law firm of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that Attorney Austin Turner was appointed serve on The Florida Bar Environmental and Land Use Law Section (“ELULS”) Committee. The ELULS Committee studies proposed legislation affecting the use of land, assists with CLE programming to educate Florida lawyers, and facilitates discussions on innovative and emerging ideas pertaining to land use law.
Turner concentrates his practice in the areas of land use and environmental law. He counsels clients on land use entitlements, such as comprehensive plan amendments, Developments of Regional Impact (“DRIs”), variances, and other zoning related matters which commonly arise for property owners. Turner advocates on behalf of clients before agencies including the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He also contributes to the firm’s Legal Scoop on Southwest Florida Real Estate blog.
Turner currently serves on the Management Committee for the Urban Land Institute (“ULI”) Southwest Florida District Council and the Leadership NEXT Committee for the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the local Real Estate Investment Society, Lee Building Industry Association, Lee County Bar Association, and Young Lawyers Division.
Turner received his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida (B.S.) and his law degree from the Florida State University College of Law (J.D., summa cum laude). He can be reached at 239.344.1178, or via email at [email protected].
Henderson Franklin is the largest, locally-based law firm between Tampa and Miami with over 55 attorneys dedicated to providing a wide range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law. Since 1924, Henderson Franklin has been assisting clients to build their homes, businesses, and communities in Southwest Florida. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and Sanibel Island. For more information on Turner or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.

Busy South Fort Myers restaurant hiring for all positions
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2018) – While other restaurants have been scaling back in the off-season, Society is continuing to grow and is in immediate need of additional employees.
On Wednesday, October 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Society located at the Bell Tower Shops, will be hosting a job fair to interview potential employees. This modern American restaurant features multilevel dining and bar options from al fresco dining on the patio, banquette seating in the main dining area, the vibrant rooftop Treehouse with live music as well as their private dining spaces.
According to Brad Cozza, owner/partner of Society, they will be hiring for all including hosts, cocktail servers, servers and server assistants, bartenders, barbacks, dishwashers, back of house positions and more.
“With our expanded entertainment schedule and hours and our growing dining, private banquet and party business, we are in immediate need of additional friendly, qualified staff to help us meet the needs of our patrons,” said Cozza.
Society serves lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with light bites available from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a late-night-bites menu available on weekend nights.
For more information, visit www.societyfortmyers.com or call 239-334-0900.

Naples, FL, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 ― In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Physicians Regional Healthcare System is hosting its seventh annual “PINK PARTY” on Thursday, October 4, 2018, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Physicians Regional – Pine Ridge, 6101 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, FL  34119.
The event will help raise awareness for women’s health issues including those in our area who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with Physician Regional’s team of skilled physicians on topics including women’s health, primary care, dermatology, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, digestive health, urology, and more! The event will feature refreshments, music, entertainment, and giveaways.
Proceeds will benefit the Neighborhood Health Clinic, a local, non-profit grassroots organization with the mission of delivering quality medical and dental care to low-income, working but uninsured Collier County adults. “The Neighborhood Health Clinic is delighted to be the beneficiary of Physicians Regional annual Pink Party,” says Leslie Laschield, CEO of Neighborhood Health Clinic. “A $1,000 gift will equal $7,000 of patient services, so this event truly has a positive impact for our patients.” “The relationship between the Clinic and Physicians Regional Hospital exemplifies the hospital’s commitment to the community and to those in need,” says Nancy Lascheid, Co-Founder of the Neighborhood Health Clinic. “On behalf of the Clinic and the many Clinic patients treated by Physicians Regional, our sincerest thanks.”
There is a suggested donation of $20 at the door. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.ThinkPink2018.EventBrite.com

Clips for Cancer Event Will Raise Awareness and Donations to Help Local Kids with Cancer
WHO:            Golisano Children’s Hospital Chief Administrative Officer, Armando Llechu, alongside 30 others including doctors and team members, community leaders, and influential individuals from Southwest Florida. A list of names is provided below.
WHAT:           These “hero sidekicks” will have their heads shaved by pediatric cancer patients to raise awareness and drive philanthropic support that will help local children with cancer. Donations will go to Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund. For more than 20 years Barbara’s Friends has supported lifesaving cancer care for children from across Southwest Florida at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program is the only program of its kind in Southwest Florida, and no child is denied treatment or turned away as a result of their family’s inability to pay for care.
WHEN:   Friday, September 28 at 10 a.m.
 
WHERE:       Golisano Children’s Hospital – Main Lobby
9981 S HealthPark Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908
 
WEBSITE:        LeeHealthFoundation.org/ClipsForCancer
CONTACT:        Tiffany Whitaker, APR
[email protected]
239-671-0724 (cell)
HERO SIDEKICKS:

• Armando Llechu, Chief Administrative Officer, Golisano
• Dave Cato, Chief Administrative Officer Outpatient Services, Lee Health
• Emad Salman, Regional Medical Officer, Golisano
• Warren Hutcheson, Pediatric Emergency Department Physician, Golisano
• Chris Hansen, Lee Health Board of Directors
• Mayor Peter Simmons, Bonita Springs
• Kevin Shimp, President, Thomas Marine Construction (Brother of Golisano Oncologist)
• Bill Malstrom, Catering Director and Training Manager at Mel’s Diner
• Sean Nolan, Board of Cancer Alliance
• Jerry Demming, Executive Director for the School District of Lee County
• Ed Mathews, Principal, South Fort Myers High School
• Coach Brian Conn, Head Football Coach, South Fort Myers High School
• Joshua Decarlo, South Fort Myers High School 11^th Grade Student and Football Player
• Maury Morejon, Firefighter, Lehigh Acres Fire Control & Rescue District
• Babs, Radio Personality, Beasley/ B103.9
• Mike Tyler, Program Director and On-Air Talent, CatCountry107.1
• Captain Colin Johnson, Lee County Department of Public Safety
• AJ Bonacquisti, Captain, Training and Staff Development, Lee County Department of Public Safety / EMS
• Collier County Sheriff’s Office
• Gifford
• Sweeny
• Casey
• Catlin
• Ramos
• Foots
• Shakuro
• Deputy Kirk
• Soto
• Bird
• Representative of City of Fort Myers among other surprise participants

About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group for the past two years. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 128-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 64 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.

Fort Myers, FL – Sept. 26, 2018 – Zoomers, Fort Myers’ premier indoor/outdoor family fun center, is hosting a ZOOMtacular Halloween. On Saturday, October 27 from 4 – 10 p.m., Zoomers will be partnering with Univision to transform the park into an unforgettable safe trick or treat Halloween festival.
All day, wristbands will be $10 off so everyone can enjoy the exciting go-karts, mini golf, and other Zoomers attractions. There will be two costume contests, one at 6:00 p.m. for participants 12 and under and another for teens at 8:00 p.m. A DJ will be playing fun music all night long, and there will be games with prizes. Exciting giveaways include tickets to Universal Orlando, the Naples Zoo, Zoomers annual passes and more!
For more information about Zoomers, visit ZoomersFun.com or call 239-481-ZOOM (9666).
ABOUT ZOOMERS
Zoomers is an indoor/outdoor family entertainment center offering a large assortment of games, rides, and attractions, ideal for everyone ages 3 to 103. Outside, you will find Sidetracked Bar & Grille featuring signature cocktails for both kids and adults, delicious food, and fun bar games. Zoomers offers two go-kart tracks, a rollercoaster, mini golf, Midway Rides and much more. Inside, Zoomers offers a Family Fun Arcade, featuring a Winner’s Circle where prizes can be won. Zoomers can host large or small events in their party rooms, which feature panoramic views of the park and surrounding areas, making it perfect for parties, retreats or meetings.
Zoomers is located at 17455 Summerlin Road in Fort Myers, Florida, just before Fort Myers Beach and the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva. For more information call (239) 481-9666.

Strolling bridal showcase offers couples fresh, inspirational wedding ideas for big day
All brides will be registered to win a $2,500 gift certificate from Diamond District
FORT MYERS, Fla.  (September 26, 2018) The Burroughs Home & Gardens is taking reservations and finalizing plans for its inaugural “Brunch on the River: An Inspirational Bridal Exposé” to be held on November 11, 2018 to showcase the venue’s expansive waterfront views, alongside an array of over 45 wedding professionals and services. The strolling tour will introduce engaged couples to the grandeur of this historic, 1920’s Georgian revival style mansion located at 2505 First Street in downtown Fort Myers. Cost of admission is a $5 donation to the Uncommon Friends Foundation that maintains the historic property. Valet parking will be available.
The exciting event is for discerning bridal couples who want their upcoming wedding to be both personal and extraordinary. Guests will stroll through the interactive and inspirational displays throughout the grand old home, manicured grounds beneath the canopied oak trees, and along the river bank for food tastings and stimulating wedding ideas. Attendees will meet standout caterers, officiants, photographers, florists and a variety of the most creative and reliable wedding vendors in Southwest Florida. Cindy Ekonomou, director of special events for the Burroughs Home said, “We are delighted to partner with Jason & Todd’s Diamond District and CocoLuna Events on this unique bridal event.” All brides attending will be entered to win a $2,500 gift certificate from the Diamond District. Pre-registration for this one-of-a-kind showcase is encouraged, and one pre-registrant will win a complimentary tuxedo or suit rental from The Tuxxman.
Engaged couples and brides-to-be can pre-register for the showcase at   http://brunchontheriver.planningpod.com. To view the photo gallery and learn more about weddings, tours, and other events at the Burroughs Home & Gardens, visit http://burroughshome.com/ or call 239-337-0706.
Celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2018, the Uncommon Friends Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to lifelong character building among today’s youth and business leaders. It is located at the historic Burroughs Home & Gardens at 2505 First Street. Two open-air, waterfront pavilions are available for public and private weddings and other events. Public tours of the historic home are available by reservation. For more information, visit www.uncommonfriends.org or call 239-337-9503.
 

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2018) – Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with Blood Sweat & Tears (BS&T) live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Thursday, Feb. 28  at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $69.00 and are available by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX or online at www.moreinparadise.com or www.jaytv.com/florida. Attendees must be 21 years of age.
It’s been five decades since drummer/producer Bobby Colomby and friends assembled the first group to successfully blend rock and jazz into a genre-crossing sound and style. So successfully in fact, that the band’s second album, “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” topped the Billboard charts for many weeks and beat out the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” for the prestigious Album of the Year Grammy award. That album produced three major hit singles: “You Made me so Very Happy,” “Spinning Wheel,” and “And When I Die.” BS&T has won three Grammy’s and has been nominated more than 10 times.
It has been 50 years since the release of the ground breaking “Child is Father to the Man” album and the band has never looked back. More than 200 talented musicians and singers have passed through the doors of the musical institution that is BS&T. Many have gone on to careers of their own Randy Brecker, Jaco Pastorius, Joe Henderson, Lew Soloff, Lou Marini Jr., Mike Stern, Tom Malone, Dave Bargeron and many more. Blood Sweat & Tears was the first All Star Band and the current lineup is sure to prove the critics right that BS&T is one of the greatest touring bands out there today.
 About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Open 24/7; 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The 51,000-square-foot plus casino offers 1,300 slots, and 38 live table games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21. Dining options include the award-winning 1^st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and the recently renovated EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Seminole Casino Hotel’s nightlife is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call. Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The new Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and features, plus amenities including a swimming pool with private cabanas, 24-hour fitness studio and free Wi-Fi.
Located at 506 South 1^st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida via I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the casino. Located between Miami and Naples, north of Alligator Alley on Highway 846, it is five blocks south of Highway 29. Approximately 30 minutes from Naples and Fort Myers, the casino is a 90-minute drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Seminole Casino Hotel participates in the Seminole Players Club Wild Card Rewards Program whereby players earn and redeem comp dollars at all Seminole Casinos in Florida. For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.